First, the retrograde basics - a planet is said to be retrograde when it appears to be moving backwards from our vantage point here on Earth; it isn’t actually moving backwards, it just appears that way. Every planet except for the Sun and Moon turn retrograde, some for a few weeks, some for a few months. The retrograde ends when they turn direct. When they turn retrograde, what they rule tends to get thrown off. Venus rules our close relationships and finances.

We just finished Mercury and Mars retrogrades in April, and now we go on to Venus. This retrograde begins on May 15th at 10:33AM ET and ends on June 27th at 11:07AM ET. This retrograde occurs entirely in the sign of Gemini, with it beginning at 23 degrees Gemini and ending at 7 degrees.

This retrograde could make communications for everyone be less than lovely. Words cut sharp and we don’t want to play nice. We use our words to wound more often, consciously or subconsciously. Some may find themselves in trouble because they used the wrong words. We have difficulties dealing with problems in our communities, with education, and young people. Online dating could be in the news for negative reasons. There may be some product recalls, especially of electronics or cars. We may have problems interpreting documents, or reinterpret them. People may feel like they’re having less fun dating or in their love relationships. And always with Venus retrograde, there'll be a lot more breakups than usual, especially since Saturn is currently retrograde in Libra, the sign of committed relationships.

Some possibles: the definition (Gemini) of love (Venus) may change; money troubles (Venus) because of technological/electronic/online glitches (Gemini); problems making purchases (Venus) online or of electronics (Gemini)

Dates that may be the most difficult are on June 1st, when Venus conjuncts Mercury; June 4th, when Venus squares Mars; and June 5th, when Venus conjuncts the Sun.

As always, if you were born with Venus retrograde, or have Venus retrograde in your progressed chart, this energy will feel more natural for you, and you should have less complications, and any that come up could be from other people.